Unlike what others would have you think, the Jellicles found the new kitten in the day and it was a clear sunny day not rainy and dark as they would have you believe for dramatics only, of course. The first to spot him was Alonzo, who had been patrolling the outside edges of the junkyard with Tumblebrutus. When Alonzo first saw him he thought the kit was already dead, a closer inspection proved the opposite. He called to Tumble to get Munkustrap, he would stay to watch over the kitten.

Alonzo took this time to find out as much about the strange kitten as he could. It was obviously a male though it more feminine than most even for a kitten. He was breathing, which was good. He was rather small though Alonzo could tell the tuxedo kitten was as older kitten, only a few years left before he would be a Tom, was his guess. He wasn't thin from starvation, so he definitely wasn't a stray; some one had been taking care of him. He was beaten and bloody with a few special cuts Alonzo knew came from only one magic cat, which meant at worst this poor kit had already encountered Macavity and Melanna. Alonzo was disrupted from his thoughts at that moment by Tumble's return. To Alonzo's delight he was followed by Munk, but to his dismay also by none other than the Rum Tum Tugger himself though he couldn't think of why.

"I sent Tumble to get you as soon as I found he was alive." Alonzo explained to Munk. "I would have taken him to Jenny already, but I noticed some of these cuts look like Melanna's handy work."

"Then some how this kitten has had an experience with Macavity." Munk said, finishing Alonzo's thought. "If you haven't seen signs of either of them recently it should be safe to take him to Jenny."

"I'll take him." Tugger volunteered, surprising all of them. Alonzo had even forgotten he was there, because for once, he had kept his mouth shut.

"That's very out of character for you, Tugger. Alright, if you want to help, then go ahead." Munk smiled at his younger brother. "It's a nice change."

"I wouldn't count on it lasting." Alonzo muttered as Tugger gently picked up the unconscious kit. Munk gave Alonzo a side ways look telling him he had heard and pleading with Alonzo to have more faith in Tugger.

"I can take him alone. He's light." Tugger said starting off to Jennyanydots' den. "Besides Macavity wouldn't risk trying anything now with every one on high alert."

Tugger silently made his way to Jenny's. Every one was hiding in their dens for fear of Macavity.

Word spreads fast. Tugger thought, though he was glad he didn't have to really talk with any one. He felt the kit stir slightly and set him down gently on the ground.

It's gonna be scary enough waking up some place new let alone in some stranger's arms. He reasoned, and then gave the kitten a closer look. He's very small and thin, though not unattractive. Tugger considered, and then realizing what he was doing shook his head. Snap out of it, Tug. He's a kitten! You don't even know his name! He is cute though. Tugger smacked himself trying to stop himself. Only the Everlasting Cat knew what this kitten was like. Tugger saw him move again, but this time the kit's eyes fluttered open to reveal his sapphire colored eyes, and Tugger's heart skipped a beat as they locked onto his own golden eyes.

"Who are you?" The kit asked, surprisingly calm considering the situation, but on the inside he was scared beyond belief.

"My name is Rum Tum Tugger." He answered. "What is yours?"

"Mr. Mistoffelees." The kit said, trying to sit up. "Where am I?"

"You're in the Jellicle Junkyard, just lay still. You're safe here." Tugger said, gently laying him back. "I'm going to take you to Jennyanydots. She'll be able to look after your cuts. Do you mind if I carry you there?"

Mistoffelees sat up again, easing onto his knees. "I think I could walk there, if you show me where." He said, but as he made it to his feet pain erupted in his head and caused his legs gave out under him. Tugger caught him before he fell and held him in his arms. Mistoffelees looked up at him, his eyelids already drooping again. "I guess you have to carry me." He said before once again giving into unconsciousness.

Tugger smiled down at the exhausted kitten and continued on his way. As soon as he entered Jenny's the kittens had him surrounded. The Queen-kits all looked at him with concern while the Tom-kits gazed curiously at Mistoffelees.

"Are you alright, Tugger?" Etcetera asked him.

"We heard he was there. You didn't fight, did you?" Electra piped up.

"Did you win?" Jemima asked. All three of them looked up at him expectantly.

"One at a time, please." Tugger said then with a grin added. "I'll answer all your questions after I see Jenny. Where is she?"

"I'm right here, Tugger." She called from a corner. "What has happened?"

"Alonzo and Tumble found this kitten just outside the junkyard. He hasn't woken up since then." Tugger lied, for some reason he wanted to keep their moment a secret. "Munk and the other two are still there, I think they are trying to find answers as o what happened to him."

"Well, lay him here in the corner and me and Jelly will see to him." She said motioning to where they were. "Please, keep the kittens entertained for us."

"Alright, Jenny." He said, laying Mistoffelees down by them and returning to the other kittens and their curious questions, their faces shown with their eagerness. "I believe you had questions for me." He stated, sitting down and leaning against the wall of the den. The kittens crowded around him fighting over who got to sit closest to him. He pulled Jemima onto his lap to let others get closer and couldn't help, but smile at the glares his niece received for it. "Now who's first?"

All of their hands popped into the air, each trying to get Tugger to pick them. Every one's need for some of his attention always made Tugger laugh. The only ones who weren't desperate for it was Munk, Demeter, and Alonzo, even the elders fought for his attention though for very different reasons. He nodded to Etcetera to ask her question, but his only response was a squeak from the small kitten.

"She's shy when she gets picked, especially when it's by you." Jemima whispered in his ear.

"It's alright, Etcetera, just tell me your question from before." Tugger smiled encouragingly at her.

"Well…uhm…Did you get hurt at all, Tugger?" She managed to squeak.

"No, I'm fine." He chuckled. "So are Munk, Alonzo, and Tumble." Tugger noticed at the mention of Tumble, he had more of Pouncival's attention. "We're all fine." He restated relief flooding Pounce's face.

Something is going on with those two. He thought, making a mental note to ask Tumble about it.

"Who else has a question?" He said, bringing his mind back to the present. "Electra, what was your question?"

"We heard he was there. Is that true? Did you fight?" She asked getting more excited as she went.

"Easy, Electra, don't bother him with so many questions at once." Jemima said, calming down her friend. Tugger marveled at how much like Munk she was.

"It's alright, Jemima. She's just curious. No, Electra, He wasn't there. No one was, other than us four and him." Tugger explained pointing to Mistoffelees.

Victoria raised her hand, a curious look in her eyes. Tugger looked at her. Victoria and Plato were about the same age as Mistoffelees Tugger figured. They were the oldest kittens with only a few years till they would experience their first Jellicle Ball as Queen and Tom.

"What is it, Victoria? You look confused by something."

"Well, I was wondering. Who is he?" She asked, looking over at Mistoffelees. Tugger followed her gaze. Mistoffelees was bandaged by now and was still unconscious. Tugger couldn't help but wonder what he was dreaming about. Whatever it was he seemed happy with it.

"I don't know." Tugger lied. "But I want all of you to treat him nicely, alright?"

"We will." They agreed.

"Cross your hearts or may Everlasting Cat be a Pollicle?" Tugger made them swear.

"Yes!" They promised.

"Good, now, any one else have a question? It doesn't have to be about earlier?" He smiled as once again they become enthusiastic for his attention.

Tugger stayed with Mistoffelees the rest of the day. Even when Jenny and Jelly took the kittens outside once Munk gave the all clear. About ten minutes after they left, Mistoffelees woke up again to find Tugger staring down at him.

"How are you feeling?" Tugger asked.

"Very well considering how I was earlier. I'm sorry you had to go out of your way to carry me." Mistoffelees answered, looking away from Tugger's golden gaze.

"It was no trouble at all." Tugger chuckled. He found it cute how shy this kitten was.

"Thank you, Mr. Rum Tum Tugger." He mumbled.

"Please, just call me Tugger." Tugger said uncomfortably.

"Alright…Tugger." He said, trying to stop himself from being formal.

"Are you feeling well enough for a little outing?"

"What kind of outing?" Mistoffelees asked unsure if he was able to.

"You have to meet our leader still, Old Deuteronomy. He'll decided what's best to help you and whether you can stay with us or not." Tugger explained. Mistoffelees' face fell at the thought of being rejected. Tugger tried his best to comfort the small kitten. "Don't worry though; dad always takes in those in need, especially kittens." He said, smiling down encouragingly at Mistoffelees.

"Dad? He's your father?"

"Yeah, me and Munk's and…" Tugger stopped himself. They never said his name unless he was there and there was evidence Mistoffelees had already encountered him. "Any way how much longer till you're a Tom?" He said to change the subject.

"Uhm…oh, two years I believe."

"You don't know?"

"Not exactly, no, but that's what I figure counting how old I am."

"Well, do you think you can walk? I could always carry you again." Tugger half joked.

"No, I can walk on my own." Mistoffelees said making it to his feet. "Lead the way."

Mistoffelees slowly followed Tugger. Tugger offered Mistoffelees his arm, which he gladly took to steady himself. Mistoffelees stumbled slightly and Tugger wrapped his arm around Mistoffelees waist to stop him from falling. Mistoffelees was grateful to Tugger for taking a back way so he wouldn't be bombarded with questions and new faces.

"I promise I'll introduce you to every one, and then you won't be as awkward around them." Tugger said.

"It's alright. I prefer not having attention drawn to me." Mistoffelees said. "Thank you for the help." He muttered looking at the ground.

"It's no trouble, you need help. I mean you're on your own, so you need it. It's nothing special." He said, looking at the large den that stood before them. He smelled his brother's scent coming from inside and knew this would be an official meeting. "Don't worry. I'm sure he'll let you stay. My brother, Munkustrap, is in there too. That makes this whole thing official, but there's no need to be nervous I'll be with you the whole time."

Mistoffelees followed him in. He saw Tugger bow to a large old grey Tom. He followed Tugger's example and bowed before the Tom. He looked up nervously at him, but the Tom just smiled down kindly at him.

That must be him. Mistoffelees thought. This is it. This is where it'll be decided if I'll be safe here or have to keep running. He shook slightly scared of what he would say. The old Tom took in a short breath and then he spoke.